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Brown Leans Right In Major Speech

PM's first address to unions rebuffs demands for pay raises

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 10, 2007 12:36 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Gordon Brown received a cool reception in his first address as prime minister to Britain's Trade Union Conference, traditionally Labour's largest constituency. After 10 years of tense relations with Tony Blair, the unions had hoped that Brown would offer a more left-wing policy. But Brown insisted that he would oppose their demands for pay rises, the Times of London reports.

Labour receives substantial funding from the trade unions, and the TUC comprises a substantial voting bloc during internal party elections. But under Blair the party distanced itself from union demands, and in the former PM's last address to the conference he faced boos and walkouts. Today's speech tried to smooth over differences, but Brown refused to back down from the economic agenda he pushed as chancellor.

British Chancellor Gordon Brown speaks during a meeting with members of his Labour Party in Newcastle, England Sunday June 3, 2007. Britain's incoming leader Gordon Brown will unveil a raft of new hardline anti-terrorism measures when he replaces Prime Minister Tony Blair later this month, three British newspapers reported Sunday....
British Chancellor Gordon Brown speaks during a meeting with members of his Labour Party in Newcastle, England Sunday June 3, 2007. Britain's incoming leader Gordon Brown will unveil a raft of new hardline...   (Associated Press)
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses the Trades Union Congress in Brighton, England, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Brown warned unhappy public workers on Monday that his government will hold the line on pay increases. Speaking to the annual convention of the Trades Union Congress, Brown said there would be no...
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses the Trades Union Congress in Brighton, England, Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Brown warned unhappy public workers on Monday that his government will hold the line...   (Associated Press)
Gordon Brown speaks on stage at a special Labour leadership conference in Manchester, England Sunday June 24, 2007. Britain's Treasury chief Gordon Brown, who will become prime minister on Wednesday, vowed on Sunday to change Britain to meet new priorities, taking over from Tony Blair as leader of the Labour...
Gordon Brown speaks on stage at a special Labour leadership conference in Manchester, England Sunday June 24, 2007. Britain's Treasury chief Gordon Brown, who will become prime minister on Wednesday,...   (Associated Press)
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One union might disband from Labour - and take its money with it
Times (UK)

Guardian's analysis of the speech
Guardian (UK)

 
Tony Blair • United Kingdom • Gordon Brown • unions • Labour Party • trade unions • Britain

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